Nav System

[bobm3]

I am looking at a Ridgeline to replace my Liberty.

What is the groups view of the Nav System? How user friendly is it? Can the maps be updated? Is it CD or DVD based?

What company makes the system?

thanks

[csimo]

Originally Posted by bobm3

I am looking at a Ridgeline to replace my Liberty.

What is the groups view of the Nav System? How user friendly is it? Can the maps be updated? Is it CD or DVD based?

What company makes the system?

thanks

I like the nav system.

It's a DVD based system (the drive is under the driver's seat). Made by Alpine. Updates are released in the fall of every year and cost approx. $185 per update.

It's one of the last few touch screen nav systems left. I think that's a great feature, but even Honda is moving away from the technology.

Unfortunately Honda crippled the Ridgeline nav system by removing the trip computer options from the system.

[MarkF]

The nav is really nice, expensive though. I think it added $1800 to the price. We have used it to help us in unfamiliar places and I like the idea that my wife will never get lost. That alone is worth having a nav. We used a small Garmin when we rented in SF and it was nice too. We've not purchased any of the updates because we think the price is outrageous and doubt it would have anything that would make a difference to us.

[TheRidgester]

It's among the best you will find... they are all as good as the data provider. I've had Pioneer AVIC Z1 and a Lexus system and the Honda blows both away. It allows you to find POI while your driving... In the lexus you need come to a complete stop...Z1 was same except you can hack it to make it work
This Nav is one reason I returned to Honda... now if they would put pre outs on the stereo, that would be the cats meow!

[RTL_sparky]

Just got back from a long trip in the Ridge. We found the Nav to be extremely helpful when looking for gas stations and restaurants when we are thousands of miles from home. It is also great at showing how severe a turn is in the mountains (ie. is it a 180 degree turn of just 90, etc.). It was also excellent at finding detours for us. For example, at Mt. Rainier it initially routed us along the east side of the park before sending us west toward Seattle. Well, due to flood damage from last winter, WA-410 was closed so we used the Nav to reroute us along the southern end of the park headed west. We found this tool invaluable during our trip.

[johnk1]

I am going to have a contrarian view. I like my nav. when it works..... At least once per day it reboots if I am using it or not. I live in the northern burbs of chicago. Can't get any flatter. I have already had the unit swapped out but I guess I will just have to deal with it. My dealer is not too anxious to get involved.

[csimo]

Originally Posted by johnk1

I am going to have a contrarian view. I like my nav. when it works..... At least once per day it reboots if I am using it or not. I live in the northern burbs of chicago. Can't get any flatter. I have already had the unit swapped out but I guess I will just have to deal with it. My dealer is not too anxious to get involved.

I can assure you that your situation is NOT normal. You need to make sure the unit is repaired properly. Take a look at the steps outlined in your warranty book and start using the system.

Good luck!

-Joe

[ExF150Driver]

I've had my truck now for almost three months and I am generally happy with the nav unit. Having the trip computer and fuel milage functions should have been standard. But net it works better than the one in my Infiniti..

[dlg_az]

Originally Posted by bobm3

I am looking at a Ridgeline to replace my Liberty.

What is the groups view of the Nav System? How user friendly is it? Can the maps be updated? Is it CD or DVD based?

What company makes the system?

thanks

I've got to say that since I've had my Ridge a year, I wonder how I did without Nav. I love it. As others have stated, it would have been nice to have a trip computer, but for how it functions now I can't be happier. It's a nice large screen, easy to navigate. Though the upgrade DVDs are a tad pricey, those upgrades are the same - if not more - cost for the portable GPS units. We have a lot of development going on here in AZ and the upgrades would be nice but I've not bitten that bullit yet. Other than that, I think I've only had a couple situations where it tells me to make a U-turn to get to a left side address when there was a traffic light there already.

johnk1 - csimo is absolutely correct in stating that your situation is NOT normal. Get it into the Service Center, make them fix it. You paid enough for it, it should work as expected. That's tantamount to buying an LCD or Plasma TV, getting it home and trying to watch it as it powers off and on. Would you put up with that? Nope. Push the dealer; ask him if HE would settle for "not getting involved" if it were his Ridgeline.

[Greyhounds]

On a recent trip from NC to Maine, the Nav (we call her Jane)...Jane tried her best to send us through NYC. We headed for the TAPZ bridge (stayed overnight in NJ)....the next am, she rerouted us back to NYC.

As for as OEM systems go...she is pretty good and I am glad we have it. the touch screen is a nice touch. and I am a pureist---I don't like extra stuff hanging everwhere.

You will find other folks who love their aftermarket GPS systems....If you have never had a GPS, you will enjoy Honda's. If you are familar with them, you may wish to consider a plug in version.

Jane is my new best friend when I am traveling.